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______FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, MERKEL TX._____
Pastor: Rhonda Greenwood Non-Profit Organization
Lay Leader: Delbert Dearing U.S. Postage Paid
Organist: Kenny Stephens Merkel, Texas 79536
Youth Leaders: Matt & Misti Dearing Permit No: 23
Song Leader: Donna Carter
Children’s Church Leader: Donna Carter
Treasurer: Candace Dempsey
Office Assistance: Joan Reed, Louise DuBose, Johnnie Wade, Jane Watson
Phone: (325) 928-5333 www.merkelumc.wordpress.com__________________________________________________
August 2011 ISSUE 8
____________God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1_____________
Jesus tells us in Mark 10:15, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Do you have a child-like faith? The past couple of weeks my grandchildren have been with us. We picked up Avalene and Avrie at our family reunion. On the way home we stopped in Llano and went to church, and then the next week Connor joined us and we were blessed to have them come to our church.
The amazing thing about children is their natural love for the Lord. Every morning Avalene or Avrie would ask if we were going to church that day. When I would tell them that it wasn’t Sunday they would respond with, “Awwww, when is it going to be Sunday?” Every once-in-awhile, one of them would jump up and say, “Oh no, are we late for church?” Of course I would respond the same way and have the same result as I told you earlier.
When Saturday arrived, I would tell them that tomorrow is Sunday, and they were so happy to get to go to church. After church, they would talk about how much they enjoyed being here. My hope and prayer is that everyone in this world will become like little children, and that they will love church just as much as a child does. After-all, we are all God’s children.
May God bless you and keep you safe. I look forward to seeing you every week.
Lovingly yours,
Rhonda Greenwood
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THE CROSS WALL
We have a CROSS WALL located by the Nursery. The crosses on this wall were donated In Memory of a loved-one. If you or your family donated a cross in the memory of a loved-one please let Rhonda or the church office know so that we can place memorials beside your cross. If you or your family would like to donate a cross, please bring it to the church office. This is a wonderful way to recognize the Saints of our church family. Thank you.___
FROM HORACE & MARY ANN ABBOTT:
Dear friends of FUMC Merkel,
What a blessing it has been for us to be a part of such a loving church family. You have touched our lives in so many ways. The farewell luncheon and gifts received were unexpected but greatly appreciated. You each will be a special part of our lives and in our hearts.
Grace & peace,
Horace & Mary Ann
Dearest Choir Members,
Wow! What a wonderful night Horace and I had with you all. We would love to thank you for the special moments we shared during choir. You all are very dear to us and have made a huge impact not just in our lives but in the lives of FUMC members. We will always cherish our memories & your generous gift.
Horace & Mary Ann
Please feel free to drop by Anytime.
1010 Trundy
Nursery Schedule:
Sunday, August 7: Misti Dearing
Sunday, August 14: Polly Campbell
Sunday, August 21: Lillian Jones
Sunday, August 28: Stacy Cullins
Note: We are still in need of more people to be involved in volunteering in our nursery on Sunday mornings. If you feel God is calling you to assist in this area of ministry, please call the church office!
Children’s Time During worship:
Sunday, August 7: Rhonda Greenwood
Sunday, August 14: Brack Jones
Sunday, August 21: Erica Moran
Sunday, August 28: Donna Carter
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ACOLYTES SCHEDULE
Leader: Jean Blue
ACOLYTES FOR AUGUST
Sunday, August 7: Jackson & Jake Schriver
Sunday, August 14: Carissa & Yancy Downum
Sunday, August 21:Brooke Jones & Jacob Dearing
Sunday, August 28: Jackson & Jake Schriver
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USHERS SCHEDULE
Head Usher: Tom Watson
Sunday, August 7: Tom Watson, David Carter,
Ken Hogan, Jay Campbell
Sunday, August 14: Tom Watson, David Carter,
Ken Hogan, Jay Campbell
Sunday, August 21: Tom Watson, Jacob Downum,
Corky Cox, Brack Jones
Sunday, August 28: Tom Watson, Jacob Downum,
Corky Cox, Brack Jones
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KID’S ACTIVIES
Frogs (3rd – 5th Graders)
5:30-6:30 p.m.
2nd & 4th Sunday of each month
Donna Carter-Leader
We will have a Children’s Sunday School Promotion on August 28th.
Frogs will be performing a skit during this service.
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YOUTH NEWS
Sunday nights, Swimming 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday nights, Youth Group meets 6:00 p.m.
ROAD TRIP:
August 27, Rangers game with Mercy Me performing, & a sleep-over afterwards. See Misti & Matt Dearing for more details.
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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Hosting 6th Annual Ladies Luncheon
Tuesday, August 2, 11:30 a.m.
UMW ladies meet at 11:00 a.m.
All ladies are invited, if you need a ride, please call the church office 928-5333 or a UMW member.
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UNITED METHODIST MEN’S BREAKFAST
Saturday, August 6, 7:00 a.m.
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CHURCH SWIMMING PARTY
August 14, at the Tin Cup Country Club, 6:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited!!!
Don’t forget to mark your calendars
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MEMORIALS
For Kathy Seymore:
Betty McCoy
Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Knipe
Mr. & Mrs. Allen Harmon
The Tom Seymore Family
The Methodist Key’s Class
Riley Seymore
Greg & Candace Dempsey
Jean Blue
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2nd SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP MEAL
August 14, 2011, noon
Bring your favorite
Covered Dish
Host: The Youth Group
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LET US REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Our men & women in the Military Service of our country; Our Veterans; Our President & Leaders of our country; Our Church; Our Community; Public Servants; All Shut-ins & Nursing Home Residents; Those in Hospital Care; Our families & friends; and especially those who have not accepted Jesus Christ into their lives!
FOR: Ruby Sipe, Barbara Whisenhunt, Phyllis Farmer, cancer victims, & those who have lost loved-ones.
Note: If you would like for your name to be added/removed from our prayer list it is important that you, or a family member contact the church office. We are unable to print name(s) called into the church office by someone other than that individual, or his/her family.
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August Birthdays:
August 4: Lila cox
August 6: Del Van Cox
August 7: Scott Motley
August 10: Cindy Sipe
Caleb Nies
August 12: Barbara Neel
August 13: Marion Shelton
August 16: Tom Watson
August 20: Jean Blue
August 30: Gloria Henslee
August 31: Connie Mack Seymore
August Anniversaries:
August 10: Jay & Polly Campbell
**Please accept our apology if we missed placing your birthday or anniversary in the newsletter. Contact the church office–help us make sure your date(s) is on file. Thank you.
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